How to grow your own vegetables, organically, at home

Over the years, modern farming methods have helped us make incredible progress in agriculture. Yields have gone up, and food has become more accessible. But now, more than ever, with the changing climate, we’re realising the importance of working with nature rather than against it.

Nature sustains itself without chemicals. It regenerates, recycles nutrients, and feeds countless living things, all without human interference. And now, we’re learning to follow those same principles.

The Shift Toward Sustainable Growing

Organic farming, conservation farming, regenerative and syntropic gardening, and no-till systems are all part of a growing movement to farm more sustainably. While each method has its unique approach, they share one important idea:

Protect the soil. Feed the soil. Build the soil.

Soil

Old way: Clear the land completely to keep pests away, leaving the soil bare.

New way: Keep the soil covered. Even a simple layer of mulch helps protect it from the sun and rain.

In methods like syntropic farming (multi-layer farming), plants grow under light shade, and layers of organic matter continuously enrich the soil. This protects it from erosion, retains moisture, and creates a healthier environment for young plants.

Fertiliser

Old way: Use chemical fertilisers to give plants a quick boost.

New way: Feed your plants naturally. Compost and organic fertilisers provide not only NPK but also trace minerals and beneficial microbes that build soil life.

Healthy soil becomes a living ecosystem, supporting stronger plants. In contrast, excessive chemical fertiliser use can lead to toxicity and even contaminate groundwater — which ultimately affects us too.

Water

Old way: Water frequently, however it rained or you watered on bare soil, this led to soil compaction, water runoff and wasted water. Drip and sprinkler irrigation do help reduce these effects though.

New way: Keep soil covered to retain moisture and allow more water to soak in. The mulch helps reduce evaporation and keep moisture near the roots of the plant which reduces the amount of watering needed.

In the past, the main goal was simply to have enough water, whether through rainfall or boreholes. Today, more people are harvesting rainwater in tanks and learning that conserving water is just as important as collecting it. Covered soil, mulching, and shade from layered plants all help make better use of every drop.

In addition people are 'planting water' by planting trees. Trees, shrubs and any ground covers, even lawn greatly help slow down water retention. In areas where there is good tree cover, underground water lasts longer into the dry season. People are also digging small depressions, swales and trenches to direct more water onto their land, especially those areas of the borehole so they can harvest literally millions of litres in their soil.

Pests

Old way: Spray chemicals generously to keep insects off crops.

New way: Focus on plant health first. Just as strong immune systems keep people healthy, plants grown in nutritious soil are naturally more resistant to pests and disease.

Organic sprays like neem oil or a simple dish soap–oil–water mix have become popular alternatives. But even these should be used with care. Every time we target one group of insects, we risk disrupting the natural balance, giving space for another pest to take over. The healthiest gardens are balanced ecosystems.

Monocropping vs. Mixed Cropping

Old way: Use a single piece of land for one crop only.

New way: Mix it up. Companion planting and mixed cropping are making a comeback.

Traditionally in Zambia, farmers grew crops like pumpkin, maize, and beans together — similar to the “Three Sisters” method of the Americas. Mixed planting improves pollination, enriches the soil, and reduces pest problems. For example, maize needs lots of nitrogen, while beans help return nitrogen to the soil. Mixed beds also confuse pests that usually attack only one type of crop.

Plant Selection

Old way: Buy new seed every year to replant. While there’s nothing wrong with this, it does limit the variety of crops you can grow to whatever is commercially available.

New way: Include a mix of indigenous plants in your vegetable garden. Many nutritious, locally adapted plants grow naturally here but are often overlooked. For example, bondwe (amaranth) is a superfood, purslane is rich in omega-3, and blackjack is packed with vitamins A, C, and E. These edible “weeds” thrive almost effortlessly in our climate.

Once dismissed as “poverty foods,” these traditional greens are now being rediscovered and appreciated by both Zambians and foreigners for their high nutritional and medicinal value. Growing them makes our gardens more resilient and diverse.

Diversity

Old way: Create a single-species farm where nothing else grows.

New way: Build diverse ecosystems.

In nature, diversity brings balance. Every plant, insect, and organism has a role to play. When one species grows too much, another steps in to restore harmony - all without human intervention. By encouraging diversity in our gardens, we allow nature to manage itself.

What You Can Do in Your Home Garden

Growing your own food is one of the simplest ways to reconnect with nature. You can grow what you love, ensure it’s chemical-free, and provide your family with nutritious food.

Start small — grow organically, use mulch and compost everywhere, mix your vegetables, and build your soil. Over time, your garden can become a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem and perhaps a little food forest with fruit trees, herbs, edible flowers and vegetables, that feeds you all year round.

More people are becoming conscious of how their choices impact the environment — and ironically, the solutions we seek have always been there, in the past.